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Rhassoul Mud

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The rhassoul mines are located alongside the Atlas Mountains in the Moulouya valley, approx 200km from the City of Fes.

There is enough rhassoul already mined to supply for the next ten years and up to 500,000 kilos can be shipped from this facility per year.

Rhassoul is the only clay extracted from galleries underground. Explosives are used to break through the ground, after which they have to dig deep until they find a vein of rhassoul. The clay is removed by pick-axe, loaded into a cart and hand pushed on rails by two men. This is a very hard process with only a small amount of light from hand-held lamps. It is then taken to the treatment area and washed in water to eliminate impurities, then laid out to dry in the sun.

It is then taken to the factory in Fes to be washed again where the water is purer. It is sold either in lump or chip form, or ground into powder. At present, we purchase the powdered form.

Rhassoul is a natural mineral product that also has a foaming effect, grease remover property and acts as a natural shampoo. Mixed with tepid water, it makes a mud that can be applied as a poultice on ankles, calves, thighs, hips and the stomach. It can be used internally for upset stomachs and by pregnant women for gastric acidity.

A miner survived being buried for twelve days by eating the rhassoul mud and drinking from his lamp.

Our supplier has built a village for approximately 500 people, including a school. They provide facilities for the workers at the mines, such as living accommodation, social rooms, doctor’s surgery, on site ambulance and Mosque.

We use rhassoul mud in our Honey Bee Bath Bomb to soften and cleanse the skin.